Monday, November 9, 2009

If you are looking for an inexpensive, easy way to increase your energy levels, and help your body stay healthier, don’t overlook the benefits of drinking apple cider vinegar. I started using it years ago, when I was looking for a natural means to get rid of food allergies.

To get the benefits I am talking about, you will need to use organic, unfiltered raw apple cider vinegar. This can be found in your local health food store or online. I buy it by the gallon from Amazon.

Here are some of the benefits of drinking apple cider vinegar:

It may help to:
Remove toxins from the body
Control weight
Support the immune system
Improve complexion
Increase energy levels
Fight allergies
Get rid of constipation
Control blood glucose levels
Ease leg pains

Using apple cider vinegar offers many benefits but it should be used with caution. It is an acid so it can damage your teeth and the esophagus and other parts of the digestive tract if it is not diluted. Taking it with drugs that affect your insulin and glucose levels may result in an additive effect.

My preferred method to drink apple cider vinegar is to mix 2-3 teaspoons of vinegar in a tall glass of water sweetened with raw honey. You can drink this cocktail several times a day.

If you are looking for a natural healthy way to do something good for your body, consider the benefits of drinking apple cider vinegar. It is simple, inexpensive and is chock-full of nutrients that are good for you.

The Chinese have been drinking green tea for its health benefits for thousands of years and it's easy to see why. It packs a punch when it comes to preventing aging and disease. The best way to enjoy the benefits of staying healthy. Here are 5 of the most important health benefits.

1.Staying healthy requires taking a supplement every day, you will greatly reduce your risk of getting cancer. The catechins prevent cancers of the stomach, breast, colon, and kidney and are beneficial for treating solid tumor cancers.

It is thought that its cancer-fighting benefits come from its ability to prevent new blood vessel growth in tumors and inhibit tumor cell proliferation.

2. It is very helpful in any weight loss program because it speeds up the metabolism of fat and calories. It also works as a mild appetite suppressant for some.

3. Gree tea also improves your cognitive performance, thanks to the mild dose of caffeine it contains. By taking a supplement every day, you will notice that you can think much more clearly.

4. It will help prevent skin aging due to exposure to free radicals because of the powerful antioxidants it contains. It also protects your skin from harmful UV-A rays.

5. You can take it to prevent digestive problems like diarrhea, Crohn's disease, and vomiting.

6. Drink it or take a supplement in order to prevent Parkinson's disease.

This list of benefits of green tea is only the tip of the iceberg. There are many more health benefits. In order to enjoy these benefits to the maximum as well as other benefits in disease and aging prevention, you should take a supplement that contains many more ingredients than just green tea.

Why take only a pill when you can take a supplement that combines green tea with many other anti-aging ingredients? For example, black cumin, alfalfa, biotin, folic acid, and calcium, to name a few other ingredients will provide far more health benefits.

Moreover, a supplement that contains all of these ingredients working in synergy together will have enhanced effectiveness. So what is stopping you from looking for green tea supplements. With the right combination of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, herbs, and more, you will be able to put off aging and disease for years to come.

I have been an educator for 20 years. I am also an ailment and herbal expert.www.anti-agingstopped.com

As the winter sneaks upon us, we start seeing people coming down with flu, colds and other viruses. The best way to protect yourself against this is to live a healthy lifestyle and take care of your body.

In this article I will cover some of the ways I keep myself healthy during the dark, winter months. I live in Scandinavia, where the winters are harsh and dark.

One of the biggest problems during the winter is nutritional deficiencies. One of the biggest reasons why the flu hits during the winter is because of the lack of sunshine, namely vitamin D.

#1 - Staying Warm

Having enough clothes on my body is something that I have a big problem with during the winter months. By keeping your body warm and even having a little too many clothes on your body will help.

#2 - Avoid Junk Food

During the winter months you are most susceptible to colds, flu's and viruses. We also tend to be more depressed when we do not get enough sunshine. Many try to deal with this depression by eating more junk foods, which can lead to more sickness and a weaker immune system.

#3 - Eat Berries

Berries are loaded with antioxidants and other beneficial nutrients. Try to buy or save blueberries, strawberries, cloud berries and all those yummy berries for winter. You can then make smoothies during to give your body the amazing nutrients that they contain.

#4 - Take a Supplement!

Taking a supplement will give your immune system a big boost because it now has all the building blocks it needs to protect itself from viruses and bacteria.

There are many high quality supplements available on the market today, just go and do your research and compare different alternatives that you have and should have no problem staying healthy during the winter months.

If you're interested in learning more about the high quality natural supplements, visit my website, where I share what products I have personally been using daily for several years.

Henri K. Junttila is a health researcher, and believer of using the best natural options to stay healthy and young. Visit his website http://www.natural-supplements-advice.com/ today to learn more about the powerful health benefits of natural supplements.

Monday, November 2, 2009

Despite what we have been led to believe about sunlight, the right amount of responsible sun bathing can make you happier and healthier. Considering the sun as a friend by using it responsibly can be very beneficial as long as we avoid the damaging effects of chronic exposure.

Make sure you understand the risks of skin cancer verses your sunlight needs. Of course we should not get burned or look directly into the sun, but a small amount of daily sunshine on our skin and in our eyes (indirectly) is essential for good health.

New research suggests that sunshine may reduce the risk of many forms of cancer such as prostrate, breast, colon and ovarian cancer. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is our main source of Vitamin D. The major biological function of vitamin D is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. And as we know calcium is essential for good bone health.

Researchers have found that Vitamin D from sunlight also plays a role in increasing the amount of oxygen your blood can transport around the body, which in turn, will boost your energy levels, sharpen your mental faculties and give you an improved feeling of well-being.

Chronic skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis have also been shown to improve during safe sunbathing.

The fear of skin cancer is one of the main reasons given for staying out of the sun. During our research we have found that the imbalance of Omega 6 to Omega 3 fatty acids as well as the lack of essential nutrients such as anti oxidants from a balanced diet, may also play a role in the development of skin cancer.

The research is beginning to bear out the need for safe sun exposure. By limiting sun exposure, changing our diet ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 to a diet similar to that of our ancestors, (one more closely reflecting a diet ratio of 1:1 or 2:1 Omega 6 to Omega 3 fatty acids) and making other dietary improvements we may start to see a decrease in the incidence of skin cancer.

The best source of Vitamin D is of course UV-B from sunlight or from natural food sources like Cod Liver Oil. Those who can not for whatever reason obtain a healthy amount of sun exposure can satisfy the bodies vitamin D requirements by taking a daily dose equivalent to 1000 IU's of vitamin D from Cod Liver Oil. Remember, Vitamin D in milk and in most vitamins is synthetic and is not nearly as good as getting this important nutrient from the sun.

Darlene is a researcher, writer & blogger whose interest lies in finding healthy alternative solutions to modern health issues. To learn more visit one of her blogs listed below.

Nature has blessed us with one of its most precious gifts-Water. It is one of the most vital components of all living beings. Water carries all the essential nutrients throughout the body though it is not a food. Its importance lies in the fact that a person can stay without food for some time, but not without water. It is more important than food.

Water possesses a unique property-versatility. It can be used for various purposes and various needs of the body. It is advantageous in any form be it ice, liquid or steam or hot, cold or lukewarm depending upon the need. The largest constituent of human body is water. About 65 to 70 percent of the total body weight consists water.

The body requires water for smooth and efficient functioning of its various processes. Proper intake of water helps in the absorption of food in the stomach. It eliminates the chances of blood clogging and enables an even circulation of blood to all the blood vessels, even the smallest one. It maintains normal body temperature in all weather conditions and keeps the skin moist, soft and lustrous. It is therefore necessary to drink plenty of water daily to preserve and maintain a healthy glowing skin.

Water also improves the functioning the kidneys by eliminating the wastes from the body in the form of urine and preventing the chances of formation of kidney stones. During hot weather it removes the bodily wastes through skin in the form of sweat.

Water is mainly consumed daily through drinking, other fluids such as juices and to some extent through the food. It is present in most of the vegetables such as tomato, radish and watermelon. The body also has its self mechanism of generating water through combustion going on in the system.

It is necessary to drink plenty of water to replace the rate of water removed from the system so as to maintain a balance. Most of the times there is more water elimination during some physical activity such a walking, exercise and running as there is a great loss through sweat and through lungs. This has to be replaced by drinking water and eating food.

If the normal balance of water in the body is disturbed, there is a direct effect on the vital essential processes. Death may occur within 2-3 days if adequate water is not supplied to the body. Everyday water loss takes place from our body no matter whether we drink or not. So if we don’t provide sufficient water to the body blood thickening takes place which exerts a pressure on kidneys. As a result harmful toxins and poisons get accumulated and may also lead to death.

It also causes several other problems such as acidity, anemia, headache, gas, bloating and nervousness. Sufficient intake of water automatically relieves these symptoms and makes them disappear.

A normal adult should drink at least 10-12 glasses of water per day, whether one feels thirsty or not. This required quantity is necessary to flush out the system and meet the daily needs of the body. Drinking excess water is also considered harmful as it weakens the stomach and kidneys.

Gastric juices get diluted and digestion slowed down, if water is taken along with meals. It should be taken one hour before or one hour after meals. Drinking water early in the morning after getting up is very helpful in preventing constipation and disorders of the stomach. It also aids the formation of saliva which along with some useful enzymes helps in the cleansing up of intestinal tract. Drinking water from a copper vessel early in the morning removes excessive heat from the body and cools the system.

Besides using water internally it is also very useful externally for bathing and personal hygiene. During our regular day to day activities, walking, exertion a small layer of sweat forms outside the skin pores which contain various poisonous substances. It is necessary to wash off these poisons for keeping the skin healthy and glowing. There should be a variation of water use according to seasons. It is beneficial to use warm water in winter, lukewarm water in monsoon and cold water in summer for bathing.

Water used for drinking, cooking and bathing should be free from bacteria and viruses. Proper steps should be taken to purify the water and make it germ free and clean. Boiling water for about 15 to 20 minutes is the most simple process in making it free from bacteria and safe for drinking and cooking. U.V filters can also serve this purpose.

Thus we can say that water is one of the essential needs of mankind. It is necessary for the proper functioning of various body processes and maintaining proper health and vitality. Drinking sufficient amount of water not only protects us from various diseases but also enables our body to flush out various toxins poisons and wastes which are harmful for our body.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

With the growing number of medical issues surrounding the current health care system, people are becoming increasingly frustrated with treatment results and the expense of maintaining personal health. Are you concerned about or wondering if it's possible to naturally treat health issues without killing yourself? A growing number of people are turning to alternative medicine and natural health care and doing so very successfully. Natural, everyday, common sense methods of preventing illness and maintaining optimal health do exist.

What does your body need to maintain proper health?

This is a question that continues to be asked, why, I don't know, because there are no hidden secrets about this. In fact I'm sure you probably already know the answer.

• Proper diet

It is known that many health problems (heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke and others) are exasperated by improper and poor diets. We live in a fast paced world driven by extreme commercialism that bombards us with images of super sized hamburgers, fries and extra large sodas. Many of our foods come in boxes loaded with artificial ingredients and real, un-natural, man-made chemicals to help us exist in our fast paced life. The first thing we need to do in maintaining our health is to get back to a healthy natural food based diet.

• Moderate exercise

Sitting on the couch watching TV or driving the car to the mailbox is not moderate exercise. Walking, bicycling, swimming, tennis, hiking, gymnastics, dancing and weight training are forms of exercise that we need in our daily lives. Achieving 30 minutes of some form of cardiovascular activity several times a week has a huge payback in maintenance of health, appearance, and well being.

• Excess avoidance (drugs, alcohol, fast food, smoking)

There is no mistake that excessive use of drugs, alcohol, fast food and smoking have a detrimental effect on health. If you are using any of these substances in excess you can expect to live a much shorter and unhealthier life. Even if you use these substances in moderation you may experience a shorter and unhealthier life.

• Good genetics

Now here's something you cannot control. We've all heard of the guy that smoked 2 packs of cigarettes' a day until he was 92 then got stepped on by an elephant while dancing with his 38 year old girl friend. There are those that are fortunate to be born to parents and grandparents that took care of their health. Then there are those that are born to parents/grandparents that did not enjoy healthy lifestyles. And let's face it; Mother Nature can be quite cruel at times as well. No matter what the case, your life and health can be improved by proper diet, exercise, and excess avoidance.

Other methods and forms of natural health care

While the things mentioned above are fundamentals of natural health care, there are other methods and forms of natural treatment and care that complement healthy living. We know that even healthy people are going to become ill with common ailments and diseases from time to time. However there are things that can be done to minimize the effects and duration of the inevitable cold, flu, pain, rash, and other common ailments or diseases that are sure to come from time to time.

Herbs and vitamins

Many natural herbs and vitamins can be obtained from health stores that strengthen our natural immunity to health issues. If you are experiencing a particular health issue, a trip to the health store should be considered, there will be a supplement that can help you overcome your health issue.

Holistic Medicine

Holistic medicine focuses on how the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual elements of the body are interconnected to maintain wellness (holistic health). When one part of the body or mind is not working properly, it is believed to affect the whole person. Holistic approaches focus on the whole person rather than just on the illness or part of the body that is not healthy. There are many holistic practitioners available to help you with your health and well being.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a treatment based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a system of healing that dates back thousands of years. At the core of TCM is the notion that a type of life force, or energy, known as qi (pronounced "chee") flows through energy pathways (meridians) in the body. Each meridian corresponds to one organ, or group of organs, that governs particular bodily functions. Achieving the proper flow of qi is thought to create health and wellness. Many ailments and health problems are treated with acupuncture by inserting a set of tiny needles at points along the meridians.

For those that cannot tolerate the thought of needles poking their skin, there is a form of needless acupuncture available. Check out the resource box below to get more information.

Acupressure

Acupressure is often called acupuncture without the needles. Instead of needles, acupressure involves the application of manual pressure (usually with the fingertips) to specific points on the body. Acupressure is typically used for:

Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy/ morning sickness

Motion sickness

Nausea after surgery

Nausea due to chemotherapy

Cancer-related fatigue

Headache

Menstrual cramps

Muscle tension and pain

Magnetic Health Care

Magnetics have been around for several hundred years and has found a place in natural health care. There are many products available using static magnetic fields that offer relief of pain and reduction or elimination of many health ailments. One of the most common type of magnetic health care products is the magnetic bracelet. There are other products that emit electromagnetic pulses that have greater potential of providing natural health care treatment than products offering a single static magnetic field.

Chiropractic Health care

Believe it or not Chiropractic health care is a form of natural alternative health care. Chiropractic health care is based upon the fact that all organ, tissue, and gland functions are controlled via nervous system input starting from signals in the brain cascading downward via the spinal cord and peripheral nerves. On some occasions, the spinal bones (vertebra) which protectively surround the spinal cord can misalign or subluxate creating increased pressure upon the nerve roots that pass between the vertebrae. This increased pressure strangles or pinches the nerve roots, thus decreasing the impulses to the end organs. Prolonged pressure upon these nerves causes disease states to develop, whether it be muscular or internal. Spinal adjustments are high speed, low force procedures that restore the spinal bones into their correct alignment, thus relieving stress upon the spinal nerves. Once the stress has been relieved upon the nerves, the body can naturally be restored to 100% of its healing capacity.

There has been a real shift in the way people think about their health. Rising health care costs as well as inherent risks that come with medical treatments and pharmaceutical drugs is becoming a legitimate concern. You can take charge and responsibility of your own health care and live a long and healthy life. Of course there will be times when a doctor is needed for your health care, but with self administered natural health care those times can be minimized. To your health!

Woody Longacre is a writer and publisher of articles for the Internet. This article was written for Immune Sentry, LTD. Please visit ImmuneSentry.com for information about an amazing Natural Health Care Product.